Because I own a 1964 Wildcat convertible, I like to check out the ones I see on Ebay, or anywhere else for that matter. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Buick-Wildcat-1964-Buick-Wildcat-Convertible-30k-Granada-Red-ORIGINAL_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ6144QQihZ002QQitemZ120279962976QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW This one brought up a few questions that Ive been wondering about for a while. <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com<o></o> First, every 1964 convertible that I have ever seen (except mine) has had the round Wildcat head badge next to the Wildcat script on the rear fender. I always thought the guy who owned mine before me had just taken them off but now this one pops up without them as well. Were there some built without them? <o></o> Second, is the Buick logo in the middle of the rear panel supposed to be surrounded by the body color like this one? Mine is silver and seems to be more of a brushed finish than a painted finish. I have seen it both ways and always wondered which was correct. <o></o> Third, mine has trim around the wheel wells and most that Ive seen have the same trim, but this one doesnt. Was it an option? <o></o> Last, the seller states that starting in 1965 the Wildcat used the same shell as the LeSabre, but in 1964 it was its own model. It always seemed to me that the Wildcat looked more like a sporty LeSabre in 1964 than just about any other year. Which Wildcats (if any) were truly different from the LeSabre? <o></o> Thanks in advance for your answers. Here is a picture of mine.
The convertible has the emblem on the rear quarter, and the hard top had it on the roof. On the rear panel, mine was body colored, if I remember correctly. Wheel molding trim was part of an appearance option. That car you are refering to is probably not a good example of a "correct " Wildcat, as he states it to be. As far as the two body styles, I dont have a spec book in front of me to determine if there was any difference at all. Does seem to me to be the same body
A little trivial knowledge- Lesabre for 64 used the 300 engine-except in the Wagons. The wagons shared the Wildcat chassis and engine options- there were some 425 cid and dual quad engine cars produced. there were even a couple 4-speed wagons made according to the "Daily Production Reports". The 65 Wildcat shared the rear sheetmetal (from the cowl back) with LeSabre but had the Electra frame (with the 126" wheelbase). So the front fenders and engine compartment had the room for the Nailhead. Ted
Mark, You're right about that Wildcat not exactly being a textbook correct example, but it was a good example for my questions. On the emblem, I know it normally goes on the fender on the convertibles and on the roof on the hardtop. but is that always the case? Like I said, this one and mine are both missing it, and I was wondering if there was any knowledge of some built without it, sort of like the '66 Wildcats where some had script letters and some had block. Thanks again.
" The tires are original style Hoosier white letters in excellent condition with nearly 90% tread left. " ou: Sorry, it looks nice but this quote is just goofy
Chris, I would like to say that the emblem should be on every car. These parts were stamped, and the holes for the wildcat script and emblem would have been punched at the same time. Look carefully on the side wall of the inner trunk, I would venture to say someone filled it in during a re-paint. Either way, it should be visible from the inside. I went back and looked at the tail panel on my 64 convert 4 speed car, and it is a buffed metal finnish, and not painted, as I had previously thought
Mine and everyone I have seen have the Cat badges on the 1/4 panel on verts and sail panel for hard top cars and brushed alum. behind the trunk lock and wheel opening mlds. If you want more pics. I have some of my car. It is stock except for the wheels. 63 and 64 share bodies and lots of parts interchange. dash parts etc 65 is completly different. By the way. Nice loking Car:TU: Gary
since you guys in this thread are a gaggle of 64 Wildcat owners, and I'm about to obtain one.. I thought I'd ask, what is the biggest size tire that can be fit on the rims?.. forgive me for somewhat hi-jacking the thread, but i felt like since u guys were in here, i might as well duck my head in and ask..
I'm running P275/35R15's on mine (it's a '63) As for the '63 emblems..go here. It's my Car Domain page. It'll show ya how a '63 4Dr. is set up. Gary's 64 Cat is awesome and as far as I can tell correct all the way (as he says the wheels are different). He also has helped me out with quite a few parts, and given me great guidance on mine. Cardomain... http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3050478
Hey sarge, you have pics of these tires? I looked on your cardomain but only see high profile rubbers.... or perhaps the 35 was a typo? -Pete
